The leader of Enfield Council has said the borough faces a “difficult and worrying” time as another lockdown approaches – but communities will rise to the challenge. 

Cllr Nesil Caliskan welcomed the decision to lock down the whole of England to prevent the spread of Covid-19. 

But she added that the announcement should have been made earlier so that the tougher restrictions coincided with the half-term holiday. 

READ MORE: Tier 2 Covid lockdown welcome but may not be enough - council leader

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday that England will be placed under a second lockdown, meaning non-essential businesses will be forced to close their doors and people told to stay at home except for specific purposes such as to exercise or shop for necessities.   

The lockdown is expected to run from Thursday, November 5 until Wednesday, December 2 – although some ministers have suggested it could be extended if the virus is not brought under control. 

Cllr Caliskan (Labour, Jubilee) said: “The latest announcement to lock down the entire country signals the arrival of a difficult and worrying time for the people of Enfield. 

“While I welcome the decision to introduce a lockdown, I have been clear for a number of weeks that I believe this announcement should have been made sooner. 

“In my view, the lockdown would have been more effective if it had been timed to coincide with the October half–term. 

“I understand residents’ fears and frustrations at this difficult time, and I know how hard it is to face the prospect of more disruption and pain. But the council and our communities can, and will, rise to the challenge once again, and they will come together to take care of each other over what looks like will be a difficult winter.”

Cllr Caliskan warned the impact of coronavirus would linger “long after lockdown ends” and called on the Government to fully fund all of the costs linked to coronavirus that have been borne by local authorities.